Healthy Mouth Healthy Body Inflammation and Gum Disease
Did you know that approximately 80% of Indians over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease?* It's more common than you think!
*(as per the National Oral Health Survey (2002/03) – Dental Council of India)
Gum Disease and Gingivitis — what are they?
Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is a form of inflammation and infection that occurs in the mouth. Gingivitis — an early phase of gum disease and the easiest to treat — is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque, a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria above the gumline.
Plaque provides a shelter for over 400 species of bacteria and other microorganisms to grow and thrive. If not routinely removed by proper brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on teeth and gums and lead to gingivitis. Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated, which can help prevent it from developing into periodontitis**, a more serious and damaging stage of gum disease.
How Do I Know if I Have Gingivitis?
Classic signs of gingivitis include red, swollen and tender gums that may bleed when you brush. It is important to remember that only a dental professional can thoroughly assess your dental health and determine whether you have gum disease, including gingivitis. Since some symptoms of gingivitis are not painful, the disease may remain untreated for many years unless diagnosed by a dental professional.
Signs of periodontitis**, a more advanced stage of chronic gum disease, include the presence of gum ulceration, gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of your teeth when biting, any change in the fit of partial dentures, and recurring bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Regular visits to your dental professional can help to prevent periodontitis** from developing.
How Can I Help Prevent Gingivitis?
The key to preventing gingivitis is to remove the plaque and germs that accumulate on your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are extremely important. Good at-home oral hygiene is also crucial.
You can help prevent gingivitis before it develops by:
Brushing and flossing to remove plaque and debris
Eating right to ensure proper nutrition for your jawbone and teeth
Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist
You can help protect yourself against gingivitis by brushing with Colgate Total 12. Colgate Total 12 reduces plaque by up to 98% and gingivitis by up to 88%. It is the only toothpaste with a unique formula that attaches to teeth to form a 12-hour protective shield that helps reduce gingivitis. Studies show that Colgate Total 12 reduces the inflammation associated with gingivitis more effectively than regular fluoride toothpaste. For more information on gum disease and your oral health, click on the link below.
*Colgate Total 12 Toothpaste is an effective decay preventive dentifrice and helps prevent and reduce gingivitis when used as directed in a conscientiously applied programme of oral hygiene and regular professional care. It also helps reduce the formation of plaque and tartar above the gum line.
**Colgate Total 12 is approved by the IDA to aid in the prevention of cavities, plaque and gingivitis. It has not been approved to treat periodontitis. Most published research to date shows that there is a possible association between periodontitis and systemic health. A causal relationship between the two has not yet been clearly established.
Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is India's leading manufacturer of scientifically proven oral care products with multiple benefits at various price points. Over the decades, as dental care has become increasingly advanced, Colgate has earned the confidence and trust of consumers and the dental profession in India.
Colgate was voted “The Most Trusted Brand” in India for the second consecutive year in the Brand Equity ORG-MARG AC Nielsen Survey across all brands and categories. This is the fourth survey done by the Economic Times. ‘Colgate’ has been the only brand to be consistently ranked in the top 3 for all the four years and to retain the #1 most trusted brand in India for two consecutive years. This is a true measure of the trust and confidence that generations of consumers have placed in Colgate brand for their dental care needs.
Colgate has several toothpaste brands/variants that have straddled the Oral Care Market in terms of price & consumer preferences. These toothpaste brands/variants are Colgate Total 12, Colgate Dental Cream, Colgate MaxFresh, Colgate Active Salt, Colgate Advanced Whitening, Colgate Fresh Energy Gel, Colgate Herbal, Colgate Kids, Colgater Herbal White and Colgate Cibaca Top. Colgate Dental Cream continues to be the single largest selling toothpaste brand/variant in the market. It is also the single largest distributed toothpaste brand/variant in the country. In the low price toothpaste brand segment, Colgate Cibaca Toothpaste is the leader.
For the latest information on the full range of oral hygiene products, including toothpastes, specialty toothbrushes, floss, whitening products, visit http://www.colgateprofessional.co.in/index.html
Colgate Dental Cream has a unique calcium and minerals formula that makes teeth stronger to give maximum protection from Tooth Decay.
Colgate Total 12 has a distinctive ability to fight 12 teeth and gum problems. It has a unique Tricloguard formula for complete, long lasting protection to fight 12 of today’s most common dental problems. One of the most extensively tested toothpastes, Colgate Total is the toothpaste most used and recommended by dentists. It has been granted the prestigious Seal of Acceptance from the Indian Dental Association (IDA).
Colgate Active Salt is the first and only toothpaste in India that contains salt. It combines salt with calcium and minerals to make teeth stronger and gums healthy. Its special formula is proven to seek and fight germs offering a unique brushing experience.
Overview: Inflammation and Gum Disease 
